WANGANUI EDUCATION BOARD

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9438, 7 May 1909, Page 8

WANGANUI EDUCATION BOARD

INSPECTORS’ REPOST,

At Wednesday’s meeting of the Board the following report was presented Fifty-foor reports dealing with schools in northern and southern parts of the district spectively are presented. It is gratifying to note that quite a number of schools receive hearty commendation from the- Inspectors. At almost all schools the schemes of work and lesson programme hooks were found tb he of real educative; value. Mr Milne commends the quality of the work done by the most recently appointed pupil teachers. Mr Strong, as do Messrs Grant and Browne, comments on the general absence-of ornamental gardening in connection with out schools., Kaponga and Ohakea are, however, cited as notable exceptions. It would he a distinct educational gain if somewhat less'time were given “toi the utilitarian side of gardening and a little more to the ornamental side. As Mr Browne says: “Theresia no reason why alLanr schools should not b©s as artistically laid out, as at Kaponga. With a little care in selection, excellent specimens could be, obtained showing plant adaptation to surroundings, and these would be of great value in plant studies in school. Some of these features are illustrated in the plates issued by the Department. Unfortunately the children are unacquainted with the plants represented, although quite a number of-these ognld he grown on the eohooLgronndsT Technical.—Reports from the Supervisors show that the attendances at - the schools have increased in a marked degree, and it is predicted that the maximum has by no means been reached. Satisfaction with the nature of the work is expressed. ! It is interesting to note that a large number of the students at the different Centres have signified their intention of sitting at the South Kensington examinations, no.fewer than 50 entries having been ‘received from the art students at ‘the Wanganui Technical School. Wool Glassing. - In several parts of the district a desire is expressed that classes in wool classing should be established. ~ It would. I think, be possible for the Board to secure the services of an efficient instructor if the class fees and capitation, less cost of administration, were offered as remuneration. The matter invites the Board’s earnest consideration.